“The female offenders coming into contact with our criminal justice system often have complex needs, and can be some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged women in society. It is vital they are able to access help and support to address the root causes and consequences of what they’re doing.”

The PCC teamed up with Julian Support, the Sue Lambert Trust and the Magdalene Group to deliver the initial 12-month WONDER pilot project, offering help and support to female detainees released from police custody facilities in Wymondham and King’s Lynn, assessing their personal circumstances and developing tailored support plans.

Thanks to this new three-year MOJ funding award, the PCC will be inviting bids from organisations wanting to deliver the expansion of the Project – not only geographically, to cover all rural and urban areas of Norfolk, but also beyond Norfolk’s custody facilities.

Over the next four years, WONDER will work across the whole criminal justice system, engaging with women receiving non-custodial sentences or out of court disposals, those involved in community resolutions, and also those attending county, magistrates and family courts.

The project will also link in with Peterborough Prison, which receives all female prisoners from Norfolk, informing support plans put in place while a woman is imprisoned and providing a point of re-referral for support and mentoring when she comes back into the community.

The county’s health services will also have a role to play in this county-wide whole system approach, identifying and referring to the project vulnerable women who are at risk of offending, and seeking to align specific pathways, for instance, for mental health or pregnancy.

Justice Minister Dr Phillip Lee said: “I am delighted to announce this investment in support for female offenders, which will help local areas to support vulnerable women and get them out of the cycle of crime.

“Many women who are at risk of offending or reoffending have a range of complex circumstances – our funding will help local areas provide the support women need to lead crime-free lives, helping to reduce reoffending, cut crime and make our streets safer.”

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About PCCs

41 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were elected across England and Wales on the 15 November 2012. When the elected PCCs took office on the 22 November 2012 they became responsible for a combined budget of £8 billion.

PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area. Their role is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account, effectively making them answerable to the communities they serve.